Southern Cross Healthcare has appointed Mark Stewart as chief operating officer, completing its programme to strengthen executive leadership. He will lead operational functions across the hospitals side of the business.

Stewart brings a wealth of expertise in developing strategies within complex environments and leading business transformations. He joins Southern Cross from PwC, where he led the company’s engagement with national telehealth service Whakarongorau Aotearoa. Prior to that, he spent more than a decade working for NZ Post – four years of which he spent co-leading its transformation to support the growing demands of online retail as its COO – and completed a PhD in management science/operations research.

Following his work alongside the country’s health sector through PwC, Stewart said was drawn to Southern Cross Healthcare’s commitment to revolutionising private healthcare in Aotearoa.

“I’ve seen firsthand the importance of strong, functioning healthcare services in these challenging times, and I’m keen to build on this experience through a quality provider like Southern Cross Healthcare,” he said.

“Mark has a strong track record in leadership and change management within large-scale, complex environments, and these skills will be critical as Southern Cross Healthcare evolves into a more integrated healthcare system that offers consistently high-quality care,” said Chris White, CEO of Southern Cross Healthcare. “Mark is a proven customer- and people-centred leader, capable of developing market-leading strategies and successfully implementing structural and operational change. We know he’s the right person to help our business continue innovating and delivering exceptional outcomes for our patients.”

Stewart will join Southern Cross Healthcare starting 20 June.